Electron Shells

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Nucleus

First Shell

2 shells are represented by two concentric circles of different sizes. The First Shell is the smaller circle having a dark purple color and the Second Shell is the larger circle (annulus) having a light purple color. The Nucleus is the grey sphere at the center of the circles.

Second Shell

Electrons have potential energy because the nucleus attracts them. But they can have only certain amounts, or levels, of energy. The energy levels are called electron shells and are pictured as spherical regions around the nucleus. The first two shells are the most important in the atoms of life. Click on the first shell and then the second shell.

More info:

  1. 1. What's potential energy?
  2. 2. Can electrons move between shells?
  3. 3. What's a valence shell?
  4. 4. What's an orbital?